Aoi stood at the edge of the garden, her hands trembling at the sight before her. The demon, the very one that had taken everything from her, was finally in front of her. The mansion grounds that were once a place of healing now felt suffocating, the weight of her past bearing down on her chest. Her voice came out as a whisper, more to herself than anyone else.
"I never thought... I’d ever see you again."
She clenched her fists, her heart pounding in her chest as her fear wrestled with the rage she had kept buried for so long. Her usual strict demeanor cracked, giving way to the swirl of emotions she couldn’t control. She bit her lip, trying to hold herself together.
"Why... Why did it have to be them? Why not me?"
Her voice cracked, tears stinging her eyes as she took a hesitant step forward, though she knew deep down that fighting wasn’t her strength. Even so, she couldn’t back down now. Not after everything.
"I’m not... I’m not the strongest. I know that. I’m not like them. But I won’t let you walk away this time."
She could feel her knees weaken, but she forced herself to stay upright, her eyes locking onto the demon. The fear was still there, but this time, something else burned brighter—determination.
"I won’t let you hurt anyone else."